“A Mosaic of the Region’s Transformation” Brought Together Change Makers from the Ústí Region
“Mozaika proměn regionu” has reached another key milestone: an informal gathering of local stakeholders who are working to improve the Ústí nad Labem Region. The event took place on March 25, 2026, at the Faculty of Social and Economic Studies at UJEP and was moderated by one of the authors of the Mosaic, Jan Píša, Ph.D., from the Department of Geography at the Faculty of Science at UJEP. However, the meeting hosted not only the drivers of environmental, economic, and social change, but also representatives of public administration, development organizations, and indeed everyone interested in the transformation of our region.
Zdeněk Kohout demonstrated how to successfully run a family-owned craft business using the compelling example of the Galli Distelleri distillery in Dolní Podluží, near Varnsdorf. The business prides itself primarily on using regional fruit suppliers and maintaining close ties with local customers in Bohemian Switzerland. Daniel Pitek described how to farm agricultural land without negatively impacting the surrounding cultural landscape of the Czech Central Mountains and its ecological values. He goes beyond the boundaries of his own company with relentless efforts toward systemic changes in landscape planning.
The meeting also served as a platform to recognize selected inspirational stories presented on the Mozaika website, which—despite the non-competitive format of the event—were carefully evaluated by a wide range of experts in various fields of local development.
Filip Molčan, the main protagonist of the story titled “Innovation with Heart,” which won an award in Mozaika’s economic category, is a perfect example of a socially responsible entrepreneur. His projects, led by the company Good Sailors, combine innovation with inclusion and demonstrate that business can be ethical, sustainable, and inspiring all at once. And what about his free time? Filip dedicates it, for example, to volunteering as a national park ranger.
Looking forward to kindergarten? At the Dobroměřice Preschool, definitely! In the social sphere, a concept combining environmental education—instilling the principles of sustainability in the youngest children of the village in the Louny region and their families—was selected as an exceptionally inspiring activity. They participated in creating an edible garden that teaches the care required to produce food before it reaches the school cafeteria window.
Community building, organizing social and cultural events, or revitalizing public spaces are demanding endeavors requiring personal enthusiasm and the conviction that even an individual can significantly contribute to transforming their surroundings. Michaela Valášková, an awardee in the field of place development, has long succeeded in this through the Promyky association and the Ústečtí dobrodruzi initiative. Michaela knows that the transformation of a place begins within us.
The same gratitude, however, is also due to all the other drivers of positive change, whose stories show just how diverse the pieces of the mosaic paving the way to a better tomorrow for the Ústí Region can be. And what does “change for the better” mean to you? Perhaps successful social inclusion strategies, innovations contributing to improved education quality, the opportunity to buy local farm-fresh food, the revitalization of dilapidated buildings and public spaces, building a positive image of the region, improving interpersonal relationships, or the emergence of businesses in entirely new sectors? These topics are also an integral part of the Mosaic of Regional Transformation!